UCO Projects

[David]

Why is the Medical Examiner's Office going in Edmond? That makes no sense. Why isn't it being built downtown near related enterprises?

My limited understanding is that is has to do with an opportunity to locate it right next to the OSBI building on the south side of 2nd and the Forensic Science building on the north side.

[HangryHippo]

My limited understanding is that is has to do with an opportunity to locate it right next to the OSBI building on the south side of 2nd and the Forensic Science building on the north side.

I had completely overlooked that that was already up there. Thanks for reminding me. That makes more sense.

[Plutonic Panda]

Wow. That is awesome! Hopefully it gets built like that.

[Urbanized]

UCO has the state's best funeral and forensic sciences programs at the university level and was already partnering with the ME's office. It's still centrally-located in the state (serves the whole state, not just the OKC metro) and it worked well for UCO to build the office and lease back to the ME rather than having the state appropriate money for a new ME's office, which was sorely needed. It was a little bit of a political hot potato, but it does make quite a bit of sense on a number of levels.

[David]

A little bit more detail about the Mitchell Hall expansion project I commented about last week can be found here: UCO: CFAD - College of Fine Arts and Design - Build Mitchell Hall.

It's a bit sparse at the moment, but promises to eventually have blueprints and building progress updates.

[Plutonic Panda]

Isn't really a project, but cool to see.

Professor awarded supercomputer grant - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

[David]

A little bit more detail: UCO Professor Awarded National Science Foundation Research Grant for Supercomputer

UCO Professor Awarded National Science Foundation Research Grant for Supercomputer
UCO professor of engineering and physics Evan Lemley, Ph.D., and the university’s Center for Research and Education in Interdisciplinary Computation received a $304,745 grant from the National Science Foundation to fund a cluster supercomputer to be named “Buddy.” The supercomputer will support research and education for students, faculty and staff at Central, as well as researchers across Oklahoma.

Aug. 28, 2014

Media Contact: Lindsay Houts, Staff Writer, UCO University Relations, 405-974-2121, lhouts@uco.edu

UCO PROFESSOR AWARDED NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION RESEARCH GRANT FOR SUPERCOMPUTER

The National Science Foundation awarded a $304,745 research grant to University of Central Oklahoma professor of engineering and physics Evan Lemley, Ph.D., and the university’s Center for Research and Education in Interdisciplinary Computation (CREIC). The grant will fund a cluster supercomputer to be named “Buddy,” a nod to the university’s mascot, Buddy Broncho.

A cluster supercomputer allows multiple users to work on problems much larger than any one computer or user could handle alone. “Buddy” will support research and education for students, faculty and staff at the university, as well as researchers across the state.

“This grant is pivotal in transforming the research computing infrastructure at UCO and meeting the growing needs for high performance computing resources for student-centered research and education at UCO and other institutions in Oklahoma,” said Lemley, who is the director of CREIC and will serve as the lead researcher on the project.

Lemley, an active member of the One Oklahoma Cyberinfrastructure Initiative (OneOCII), will offer more information about the supercomputer at the Oklahoma Supercomputing Symposium set for Sept. 24 at the University of Oklahoma.

“OneOCII is the glue that knits the Oklahoma cyberinfrastructure community together. OneOCII has been instrumental in supporting the Oklahoma Supercomputing Symposium and in supporting collaborative grants such as the National Science Foundation’s award to UCO,” Lemley said.

For more information about the College of Mathematics and Science at Central, visit UCO: College of Mathematics & Science.

[Plutonic Panda]

UCO Introduces New Software Engineering Degree - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

[David]

Not precisely a project, but a good step towards getting Old North back in the land of the living: UCO Foundation Receives $500,000 Grant for Old North from Gaylord Foundation

UCO Foundation Receives $500,000 Grant for Old North from Gaylord Foundation
Oct. 6, 2014

Media Contact: Reagan Hamlin, Assistant Vice President, UCO Development Office, 405-974-3552, rhamlin@uco.edu

UCO FOUNDATION RECEIVES $500,000 GRANT FOR OLD NORTH FROM GAYLORD FOUNDATION

The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation recently received a $500,000 grant from the E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation to help fund the restoration of Old North on UCO’s campus.

“We are incredibly appreciative of the Gaylord Foundation and their positive impact in our community,” said UCO President Don Betz.

“To be able to count them as one of our generous partners of this restoration project is a true testament to the important place Old North holds in not only our history, but the hearts of all Oklahomans.”

UCO’s “Always Central” campaign seeks to raise $40 million in private support for projects that include $6 million designated for the interior renovation of Old North, the first building of higher education in the state.

Due to structural complications that multiplied over time, Old North closed in 2000 resulting in the loss of several classrooms and the relocation of nearly 40 faculty and staff offices. The university approached the restoration in two phases. Phase one was funded through bond and included the needed exterior repairs, an outdoor amphitheater, and the addition of a 16,000 square foot annex that contains necessary fire exits, ADA entry, mechanical systems, electrical systems, bathrooms and other support spaces.

Phase two includes the interior renovation and relies on the generation of private support from alumni and friends. Once $6 million is obtained, university officials anticipate the renovation being complete in 24 months.

UCO has raised more than $39 million of its $40 million “Always Central” campaign goal, in support of students, teaching, programs, facilities and fund for the future.

For more information on the “Always Central” campaign and the Old North project visit www.centralconnection.org/ or contact Anne Holzberlein, vice president for Development, at 405-974-2770.

[Plutonic Panda]

Love to hear this. They need to restore this old beauty.

Phase two includes the interior renovation and relies on the generation of private support from alumni and friends. Once $6 million is obtained, university officials anticipate the renovation being complete in 24 months.

UCO has raised more than $39 million of its $40 million “Always Central” campaign goal, in support of students, teaching, programs, facilities and fund for the future.

UCO Foundation receives $500,000 grant for Old North - The Edmond Sun: Education

Structural problems shuttered the building in 2000, which displaced students and nearly 40 faculty and staff members. The university has already paid to renovate the exterior and says interior work can begin once the $6 million is raised.

http://www.news9.com/story/26724441/...store-building

[David]

A couple more shots of the new residence hall:

[Plutonic Panda]

Have you heard anything further about the other projects(ME Office and Theater Expansion)?

[David]

Not as yet.

[Zuplar]

Very nice. Thanks for the pics.

[Plutonic Panda]

UCO receives national grant for adaptive sports - The Edmond Sun: News

[Plutonic Panda]

University of Central Oklahoma nears fundraising goal to reopen historic building | News OK

This is exciting!

Long-awaited renovation

Before Old North was closed, the renovation had begun.

Phase one was funded through bonds and included needed exterior repairs, an outdoor amphitheater and the addition of a 16,000-square-foot annex that contains necessary fire exits, accessible entry, mechanical systems, electrical systems, restrooms and other support spaces. All that work was completed by 2010.

Phase two — the interior renovation — relies on private support from alumni and friends. Fundraising was delayed by the 2008 recession, but the $6 million goal is in sight, Betz said.

The interior will be “reinvented” using both historic elements and new ideas.

“It’s going to have a sense of the time, but its going to be incredibly up-to-date,” he said.

Gone are the 12 fireplaces that once heated the building and the gas lamps that lighted it. But the original tower clock mechanism will be restored and the old brick will be exposed in areas.

[Plutonic Panda]

Good news! I can't wait to see Old North renovated and in use again.

UCO passes $40 million fundraising goal

The University of Central Oklahoma has surpassed its $40 million fundraising goal for the Always Central campaign about six months before it was set to conclude.

Nearly 7,000 alumni and friends contributed to the campaign with 64 percent of donations coming from first-time donors, raising to date $40,133,019 in support of students, teaching, facilities, programs and future needs of the university. With $800,000 still needed for the renovation of Old North, the campaign will continue to run until its official completion date of June 31, 2015.

- UCO passes $40 million fundraising goal - The Edmond Sun: News

[Plutonic Panda]

UCO Foundation Receives $100,000 Grant For Project - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

[okfiveo]

Don't get up to Edmond much anymore. Anyone have recent pics of the new dorm construction?

[David]

Actually, I do have one that I just hadn't gotten around to posting.



A shot of the east side to give a view of the brickwork.

[Urbanized]

I had a meeting on campus a couple of weeks ago related to the opening of the UCO boathouse. It was the first time I had been on campus or driven around in the immediate area in several years, and it was really pretty stunning how much it has changed.

[David]

Took a few more shots of the new hall (to be named the Transformative Learning Quadrangle from what I've heard recently, or the Quad for everyday usage).

[Pete]

Wow, very nice.

I'll have to make it a point to walk around that campus on my next visit.

[David]

Whoops, missed a couple that Google hadn't auto-backed up earlier.

[David]

UCO Receives $75,000 for Mitchell Hall Renovation from Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation

UCO Receives $75,000 for Mitchell Hall Renovation from Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation
Feb. 18, 2015

Media Contact: Angela Morris, Staff Writer, UCO College of Fine Arts and Design, 405-974-3752, amorris11@uco.edu

UCO RECEIVES $75,000 FOR MITCHELL HALL RENOVATION FROM ROBERT GLENN RAPP FOUNDATION

The University of Central Oklahoma Foundation recently received a $75,000 grant from the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation benefitting the expansion and revitalization of Mitchell Hall Theatre.

The Build Mitchell Hall campaign will fund an expansion that nearly doubles the size of the historic venue. Plans include two new rehearsal halls for theater and dance students, a comprehensive costume shop, makeup lab, dressing rooms with showers, lounge areas for students and performers, a gallery space and a revitalized green room, courtyard and outdoor study area.

“The design by renowned local architects Elliott + Associates will bring to fruition a vision for Mitchell Hall long-held by stakeholders of the College of Fine Arts and Design,” said Deborah Baucom, development manager for the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design.

“The revitalized facility will be a source of pride and a performing arts center for the university as well as the Oklahoma City metropolitan community.”

In honor of the donation, the new green room will be named after the Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation.

“In all theaters, the green room is the hub of activity for performers – a place where they can relax, prepare and focus for a performance,” explained Baucom.

“The Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation has supported the college for many years, positively impacting many of our students, so it is fitting that this central-most space of the theater be named in the foundation’s honor. We eagerly anticipate the moment our students can begin utilizing the new green room.”

For more information about the Build Mitchell Hall campaign, visit www.buildmitchellhall.com or call Baucom at 405-974-3718.